Rabbitohs win narrowly in North
Queensland

Fulltime score:
Round 19
NTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 14 v STH SYDNEY RABBITOHS 16
Match summary:
A late penalty goal to South Sydney's Brad Watts has seen the Rabbitohs to their second win in a row, the visitors defeating the North Queensland Cowboys by just 16-14 in Townsville tonight.

Souths opened their account after eight minutes when back rower Luke Stuart dummied his way through to score.

The Cowboys replied eight minutes later through winger Matt Sing who followed a kick from captain Travis Norton. Minutes later, the Cowboys held a 10-6 lead when forward Justin Smith score next the posts.

But Souths locked it up in the 26th minute when lock forward Ashley Harrison took advantage of some lead up work from half back Mick Moran.

At half time, it was 10-all.

The second half was a close contest with both sides having their opportunities.

Cowboys' flying centre Ty Williams was first to strike in the 46th minute to put the Cowboys back in front. But Souths levelled the scores again in the 55th minute when five eighth John Sutton dived over to make it 14-all.

In an evening where the goal kicking from both sides was literally a case of hit and miss, the match was ultimately decided by a two-pointer with Souths' winger Brad Watts making no mistake. The penalty being awarded right in front after the ball was stripped in a two-man tackle.

On the injury front, Rabbitohs' half back Mick Moran was forced off in the first half with rib cartilage damage while Cowboys' winger Neil Sweeney was concussed late in the match and stretchered off with a precautionary neck brace.

HALF TIME: The game is locked up at 10 at half time. The Rabbitohs will be kicking themselves for some defensive lapses that cost them two soft tries, as well as the lack of a known goal kicker. Mick Moran has been diagnosed with rib cartilage damage.

79 min: NEWS - Cowboys with the ball on half way!
In the same set, Cowboys force play and lose the ball. Souths in possession with 30 seconds remaining.

FULL TIME: Rabbitohs win 16-14 over the Cowboys in Townsville. The referee copping a huge spray from the crowd.
A match worthy of a draw with the outcome being decided by a penalty goal, Souths' defence winning through in the end.
For the Cowboys, Shane Tronc, Aaron Payne, Justin Smith and Paul Rauhihi were outstanding up front while Ty Williams made numerous line breaks and joins Johnathan Thurston as the best of the North Queensland backs.
For Souths, John Sutton had a top match at five eighth while Peter Cusak was a stand out in the front row and was well supported by Shane Walker and Scott Geddes.